Punica granatum L. (Dadim) Punica granatum L. (Dadim), Therapeutic Importance of World’s Most Ancient Fruit Plant

Abstract

The custom of using plants for the therapeutic and dietary practices is as old as origin of humanity on the earth. One of the most ancient fruit plant is Punica granatum L., pomegranate belongs to Lythraceae family. The plant has a very rich ethnic history of its utilization around the world. The plant was used to symbolize prosperity, life, happiness, fertility etc. Apart from the ethnic beliefs associated with the plant, it is a well-considered plant based remedy used in treatment of many diseases in traditional system like Ayurveda and folk system of medicine. In Ayurveda it is esteemed as a Rasayana. It is used in many Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations which are used against many diseases. The plant consists of numerous phytochemical constituents in it such as polysaccharides, minerals, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, quinones, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids etc. Each of the phytochemical constituent is associated with important therapeutic properties. This supper food is globally known for its high anti-oxidant potential. Other associated properties of this medicinal fruit plant are anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-anemic etc. The aim of present review is to provide information related to phytochemistry, traditional uses in Ayurveda and folk medicinal system and therapeutic properties of Punica granatum L. Keywords: Dadim, Rasapanchak, Punicalagin, Punicic acid, Anti-oxidant.